Method and Apparatus for Delivering Nicotine

ABSTRACT

A nicotine dispensing apparatus and method including at least one nicotine insert, wherein nicotine can be released from the at least one insert by applying pressure to the wall of the dispensing apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/052,686 filed Sep. 19, 2014, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference and priority is hereby claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

One embodiment relates to articles for delivering nicotine including release inserts or encapsulated beads.

While certain novel features of this invention shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being “critical” or “essential.”

BRIEF SUMMARY

One embodiment includes a nicotine dispensing article, comprising a container having:

an exterior wall;

an interior;

a support element having a cavity, the support element being located in the interior; and at least one nicotine insert located in the cavity,

the at least one insert being crushable to release nicotine into the interior.

In various embodiments the wall of the nicotine delivery apparatus can be comprised of wood, paper, plastic, polymers, metal, along with other materials that are sufficiently flexible to allow a user to sufficiently compress to fracture/break open a nicotine insert located in the interior.

In one embodiment one or more sheets of plastic, paper, homogenized tobacco paper, natural leaf, or other material (either non-smokable or smokable) can be used to form the wall of the nicotine delivery apparatus.

In various embodiments, the wall of the nicotine delivery apparatus can after being compressed to fracture/break a nicotine insert can remain substantially in its “compressed/squeezed” configuration so as to indicate the location of a “squeeze” for nicotine dispensing apparatuses having multiple nicotine inserts that can be fractured/broken open separately.

In various embodiments, the wall of the nicotine delivery apparatus can, after being compressed to fracture/break a nicotine insert, later expand to substantially to its “pre-compressed” configuration.

In various embodiments the wall of the nicotine delivery apparatus can include directions on how to release the nicotine in the one or more nicotine inserts. In various embodiments the directions can include indicia indicating the location of a plurality of nicotine inserts.

In various embodiments the nicotine insert(s) support element can be comprised of acetate, sponge, natural or artificial fibers, synthetic filter material, metals, wood, and/or paper.

In one embodiment, a plurality of nicotine inserts beads can be housed inside the nicotine dispensing apparatus.

In various embodiments the nicotine inserts can include one or more of the following: nicotine, flavoring, energy supplement, vitamin, diet supplement, relaxation enhancement supplement, scenting agent.

In various embodiments one or more of the nicotine inserts can be an encapsulated nicotine bead.

In one embodiment a plurality of inserts are contained in the cavity, the inserts including nicotine which is released by applying pressure on the wall of the nicotine delivery apparatus which pressure is transmitted to the particular nicotine insert.

In one embodiment at least two of the nicotine inserts are of different sizes and/or strengths of nicotine delivery.

In one embodiment at least two of the inserts of different colors indicating different types and/or strengths of nicotine along with different flavors.

In various embodiments the cavity, beyond housing nicotine inserts, can house one or more inserts of flavoring.

In one embodiment at least two of the inserts include different strengths of nicotine.

In one embodiment the container includes instructions on how to release the nicotine.

In one embodiment the container includes instructions on how not to release nicotine.

In one embodiment a plurality of inserts are contained in the cavity, the inserts including nicotine which is released by applying pressure on the particular insert.

In one embodiment at least two of the inserts are of different sizes, volumes, and/or strengths of nicotine.

In one embodiment at least two of the inserts of different colors indicating different size, volume, and/or strength of nicotine.

In one embodiment the at least one insert is individually packaged so as to be separated from the delivery apparatus.

In one embodiment a plurality of inserts are packaged so as to be separated from the delivery apparatus.

In one embodiment the package includes instructions on how to release the nicotine and instructions on how to achieve different strengths of nicotine delivery.

In one embodiment at least two of the inserts are of differing sizes, volumes, and/or strengths of nicotine.

In one embodiment one or more of the inserts can be dissolvable under certain conditions, such as where the insert comes into contact with moisture, saliva, heat, flame, etc.

In one embodiment a plurality of inserts are packaged so as to be separated from the nicotine delivery apparatus.

In one embodiment the package includes instructions on how to release the nicotine and instructions on how to achieve different strengths of nicotine.

In one embodiment one or more inserts can be packaged for sale separately from a nicotine delivery apparatus, and include instructions on placing one or more inserts into a nicotine delivery apparatus.

In one embodiment an insertion tool such as a rod with end clamp could be included with any of the kit embodiments to facilitate the users insertion of the one or more inserts into the nicotine delivery apparatus. For example, insertion could be in the wall of a filter or wall of a nicotine delivery apparatus at a selected location. In one embodiment the kit could include instructions regarding the insertion of the insert into a particular nicotine delivery apparatus.

In one embodiment could be included inserts packaged for sale in a kit to be added to a nicotine delivery apparatus. In one embodiment a refillable nicotine delivery apparatus could be included in the kit.

In one embodiment the kit could include advertising related to the properties of the inserts for enhancing sizes, volumes, and/or strengths of nicotine to be delivered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a nicotine dispensing apparatus and a plurality of nicotine inserts contained therein in a spaced apart relationship along the longitudinal axis of the dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative nicotine dispensing apparatus with a plurality of nicotine inserts contained therein in a spaced apart relationship along the longitudinal axis of the dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of various nicotine inserts which can be included in any of the embodiments.

FIG. 4A shows one embodiment of an interior section which can house one or more nicotine inserts.

FIG. 4B shows another embodiment of an interior section which can house one or more nicotine inserts.

FIG. 4C shows another embodiment of an interior section which can house one or more nicotine inserts.

FIG. 4D shows another embodiment of an interior section which can house one or more nicotine inserts.

FIG. 4E shows a series of interior sections arranged in a longitudinal relationship.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a nicotine dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the steps of making one embodiment of a nicotine dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 7 shows a plurality of nicotine dispensers packaged in packaging, and schematically shows one nicotine dispensing apparatus being removed from the packaging.

FIG. 8 schematically shows the step of tearing open the packaging to remove one of the nicotine dispensers contained therein.

FIG. 9 schematically shows one nicotine dispensing apparatus being removed from the packaging. This figure also shows instructions for use located directly on the nicotine dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 10 schematically shows force being applied to release the nicotine contained one of a plurality of inserts in a nicotine dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a closeup view of the step shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 shows an individual using one of the embodiments.

FIG. 13 shows example packaging which can be used in various of the embodiments where the packaging can have instructions regarding use of the inserts.

FIG. 14 shows a partially exploded view of an alternative embodiment for the nicotine dispenser apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 shows an alternative embodiment for the nicotine dispenser apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 shows another alternative embodiment for the nicotine dispenser apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of a nicotine dispensing apparatus 2000.

FIG. 18 shows an alternative version of dispenser 2000 which is longer than the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 allowing activation of on, and one or more inserts 100, 200, 220, etc. when multiple plugs respectively housing said multiple inserts are located in the interior of the dispenser.

FIG. 19 shows another alternative nicotine dispenser which is similar to the dispenser shown in FIG. 17, but a plug without an insert is used instead of plug with an insert and liquid nicotine can be directly added to the plug without any insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structure or manner.

FIG. 1 shows a nicotine dispenser 10 having a plurality of nicotine inserts 220, 200, 100, etc. In one embodiment a single insert 100 is used. Nicotine dispenser 10 can have first and second ends 1110 and 1120. In one embodiment indicia 1270 (such as in the form of arrows 1270, 1270′, and 1270″) can be used to visually indicate the position of one or more of the nicotine inserts—to allow a consumer to easily position the correct point of squeezing for releasing the selected insert (e.g., 100, 200, 220, etc). Dispenser 10 includes a flexible wall 1140 comprised of a sheet, and interior support array 500″. The steps for making dispenser 10 are schematically shown in FIG. 6 where sheet 1100 is rolled around interior section 500″. For purposes of clarity inserts are not shown in FIG. 6 but would be located in cavity 550″.

In various embodiments the spacing between the inserts about the longitudinal centerline 1144 is such that a consumer can squeeze one of the inserts (e.g., insert 200) without simultaneously activating the other inserts (e.g., insert 100). A separate squeezing step for activating the second insert (e.g., insert 100) will be required.

Spacing in FIG. 1 is schematically shown by dimension lines 1236 and 1237. In various embodiments spacing between each of a plurality of inserts can be at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 millimeters in a longitudinal direction about the longitudinal centerline 1144 of dispensing apparatus 10. In various embodiments the spacing can be between a range of any two of the above referenced lengths. Although in the shown embodiments the inserts (e.g., 100, 200, 220, 240, etc.) have been shown as preferably located on longitudinal centerline 1144, such is not required and the nicotine inserts can be offset from longitudinal centerline 1144. In any such case the spacing is based on the distance from center to center of nicotine inserts when their centers are projected orthogonally onto the longitudinal centerline 1144 (when a particular center of a particular insert is not located on the longitudinal centerline).

In different embodiments the spacing can be different between different sets of inserts. For example, spacing 1236 can be not equal to 1237. In different embodiments the spacing can vary based on the longitudinal distance from the end of dispensing apparatus to be placed in the user's mouth. For example the spacing can increase as the distance from the second end 1120 is increased (e.g., spacing 1236 is larger than spacing 1237). Alternatively, the spacing can decrease as the distance from the second end 1120 is increased (e.g., spacing 1236 is smaller than spacing 1237). Such variable spacing is believed to provide the consumer with a variable amount of nicotine absorption in the body based on the particular insert being activated.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative nicotine dispenser 10′ having a plurality of nicotine inserts 240, 220, 200, 100, etc. FIG. 5 is a cutaway perspective view of the nicotine dispensing apparatus 1100 shown in FIG. 2 (but omitting nicotine inserts for clarity). Dispenser 10′ includes a flexible wall 1140 comprised of a tube, and interior support arrays 500 and 500″. Nicotine dispenser 10′ can have first and second ends 1110 and 1120. In one embodiment indicia 1270 (such as in the form of arrows 1270, 1270′, and 1270″) can be used to visually indicate the position of one or more of the nicotine inserts—to allow a consumer to easily position the correct point of squeezing for releasing the selected insert (e.g., 100, 200, 220, etc). In various embodiments the spacing between the inserts (e.g., 1236, 1237, 1238, etc.) is such that a consumer can squeeze one of the inserts without activating the other inserts. A separate squeezing step for activating the second insert will be required.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of various nicotine inserts 100 which can be included in any of the embodiments. Nicotine insert 100 can comprise a breakable outer wall 110 with nicotine 150 on the inside. Breakable outer wall 110 can be various materials which are relatively sealing, along with being safe and easily broken when desired. For example, plastic, silicone, cellophane, or polymers. Before being broken, outer wall 110 should seal the nicotine product 150 on the interior 120 of insert 100. Here, the nicotine material 150 can be any nicotine substance which is suitable for human consumption. Liquid nicotine is preferred but a solid or gaseous nicotine can be used.

The nicotine product 150 in alternative embodiments can also include supplements in addition to nicotine such as flavoring, energy enhancement, mood calming, and/or tobacco juice or extracts.

In FIG. 3, insert 100 is shown as being spherically shaped. However, inserts can be a variety of shapes such as oblong, rectangular, spherical, etc.

As shown in FIG. 3, nicotine insert 100 can comprise a breakable outer wall 110 with nicotine 150 on the inside. Breakable outer wall 110 can be various materials which are relatively sealing, along with being safe and easily broken when desired.

In an alternative embodiment, although not shown, insert 100 can be of a two part construction having first section and second section 340.

In one embodiment the packaging could include a plurality of inserts 100, 200, 220, 240 with a plurality of different strengths, volumes or quantities of nicotine. In one embodiment the different strengths, volumes or quantities of nicotine inserts could include nicotine strength, volume, quantity indicia. For example, the inserts could be color coded (e.g., purple for low strength, red for high strength, etc.). As another example, the strength of the particular nicotine can be imprinted on the insert. As another example a unique identifier could be placed on the insert and a table of different strengths, volumes or quantities of nicotine included with the kit. With different strengths, volumes or quantities of nicotine for the various inserts, the consumer now would have the choice to customize the nicotine strength, volume, or quantity. As another example, more than one insert of the same nicotine strength, volume, or quantity could be included allowing the consumer to customize the strength, volume, or quantity by using two or more of the same type of insert.

FIG. 4A shows one embodiment of an interior section 500 which can house one or more nicotine inserts. Interior section 500 has a length 504, diameter 502, and includes first end 510, second end 520 and interior passage 530. Interior passage has a diameter 532. Interior section 500 can be comprised of various materials including acetate, synthetic materials, natural materials such as cotton and other fibrous materials. Interior section 500 will both assist in maintaining the shape of dispenser 1100 along with supporting nicotine inserts. Conventionally available cigarette filter materials can work for interior section. Interior passage is shown as having a cylindrical shape but can have various other shapes such as the star like shape of interior passage 530′ shown in FIG. 4B. Interior passage 530 is intended to increase the draw through interior passage as compared to a solid type interior section such as shown in FIG. 4C.

FIG. 4C shows another embodiment of an interior section which can house one or more nicotine inserts. It is similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B excepting it omits the interior passage 530.

FIG. 4D shows another embodiment of an interior section which can house one or more nicotine inserts. In this embodiment possibly additional additives can be used for interior section 600 which do not depend on release of nicotine from one or more of the inserts. For example interior section 600 can include charcoal, herbal, or botanical additives. Additionally, interior section can include flavoring additives. Interior section when used can allow the user 1000 to draw through nicotine dispenser 10 without the release of nicotine from one or more of the inserts, but still receive a flavoring or other additive which is contained in the interior section 600. When one or more of the inserts are activated, the nicotine from the activated inserts will mix with the flavoring or other additives in interior section 600 to give the user a different experience compared to merely the nicotine released from the activated inserts.

FIG. 4E shows a series of interior sections 500, 600, and 500″ arranged in a longitudinal relationship to form interior section of a nicotine dispensing apparatus 1100. These are shown only schematically and the longitudinal lengths of each type of interior section can be varied, and different types of interior sections can be mixed and matched with each other. For example, in FIG. 2 the length 1152 of interior section 500 is smaller than the length (dimension 1150 minus dimension 1152) of interior section 500″. As another example, a single type of interior section 500″ is used in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a plurality of nicotine dispensers 10 and 10′ packaged in packaging 1200, and schematically shows one nicotine dispensing apparatus 10 being removed from the packaging.

FIG. 8 schematically shows the step of tearing open the packaging 1200 to remove one of the nicotine dispensers contained therein. This figure also shows instructions 1230 on the packaging itself.

FIG. 9 schematically shows one nicotine dispensing apparatus 10 being removed from the packaging 1200. The removed dispensing apparatus 10 includes two nicotine inserts 100, 200 with a spacing 1236 and instructions/indicia for use located directly on the nicotine dispensing apparatus 10. Indicia 1230′ for insert 100 and indicia 1230″ for insert 200.

Also shown in FIG. 9 are inserts 100 and 200 spaced apart via dimension 1236. For purposes of clarity inserts 100 and 200 are shown in solid lines, but it is recognized that these inserts would not be visible to the user 1000 as they are located in the interior of dispensing apparatus 10. To identify the position of the respective inserts 100 and 200, located inside of dispensing apparatus 10, respective indicia 1270′ and 1270″ can be used. In the embodiment shown symbolic arrows on cylindrical wall 1140 are shown, however, other indicia of respective insert positions can be used on wall 1140 including but not limited to color coding, bars, other symbols, etc. In various embodiments wall 1140 of dispensing apparatus 10 can be “substantially see through or clear” to allow a visual indication of the actual respective nicotine inserts to be activated.

Also shown in FIG. 9 is a nicotine insert 14 inside the filter 1300, which insert 14 can be constructed substantially similar to inserts 100 and 200, spaced apart from said inserts, with indicia indicating the longitudinal location of insert 14 relative to longitudinal centerline 1144.

FIGS. 10 and 11 schematically activation of a particular nicotine insert by the application of force (schematically indicated by arrows 1020) to release the nicotine contained in one or more of the nicotine inserts 100, 200, 220, etc. FIG. 11 is a closeup view of the step shown in FIG. 11. When a consumer 1000 squeezes the portion of outer wall 1140 of dispensing apparatus 1100 adjacent the respective insert to be activated, the one or more of the inserts 100, 200, 220, etc. can be activated to release of nicotine contained therein (as shown in FIG. 11 with released nicotine 152). The released nicotine travels through interior section 500 such as by a “wicking effect” and is held in place about the interior volume of dispensing apparatus until air flow through dispensing apparatus 5 “picks up” the released nicotine.

When activation is desired insert 100 can be squeezed causing the outer walls 110 of the nicotine inserts to break and release nicotine 150. Because the inserts 100, 200, etc. are located in the interior of dispensing apparatus 10 the consumer will receive the nicotine when sucking air though dispensing apparatus 5. Additionally, when the consumer 1000 sucks on dispenser 10, the direction of drawn air flow will preferably pass though the released nicotine 152 causing the air to pick up such nicotine.

FIG. 12 shows an individual 1000 using one of the embodiments. Here, filter 1300 is placed in the mount of the consumer 1000, and the consumer sucks in air. Before, placement individual 1000 can have applied force (schematically indicated by arrows 1020) to release nicotine in the inserts 100. Arrow 1050 schematically indicates that air is drawn into apparatus 10 through first end 1110. Opening 530 is supplied to increase air draw until the nicotine inserts (e.g., 240, 220,200,100 etc.) are reached by the air being drawn. Air passing the activated nicotine insert will pick up release nicotine (e.g., released nicotine 152 shown in FIG. 12) and bring it towards the users mouth 1010. Arrows 1052 and 1054 schematically indicate this process of air flow through dispenser 10 to pick up released nicotine 152 and 154.

Also shown in FIG. 12 is a visual indicia of one of the nicotine inserts 200 being previously activated. In FIG. 12 the particular type of visual indicia of previous activation of insert 200 is the “remaining compressed” area 1274″ of cylinder wall 1100 shows where the user has activated previously an insert. Other types of visual indicia of activation can be used such as a change in color, change in wall 1140 texture or feel, wall 1140 discontinuity, along with other visual indicia. Such visual indicia allows a user 1000 to use dispensing apparatus 10 at a first time by activating a first insert (e.g., insert 200) causing a first visual indicia to be created at the longitudinal location of the first insert (e.g., insert 200), and then at a later time activate a second insert (e.g., 100) without guessing as to what if any inserts had been previously activated (e.g., 100, 220, 240, etc). This visual indicia of past activation can be important as nicotine dispensing apparatus 10 can have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more nicotine inserts located at spaced apart longitudinal locations along center line 1144, and the user 1000 may not know what, if any, of the inserts were previously activated. Such lack of knowledge of what if any inserts were previously activated, can cause a user 100 to activate more than one insert (e.g., insert 100 and 220) in guessing as to what locations to squeeze dispenser 10 (as squeezing at location of previously activated insert 200 provided no nicotine to the user 1000); and squeezing at multiple locations (e.g., 1270′ and 1270″) and possibly becoming frustrated with use of dispensing apparatus 10. Instead, a visual indication (e.g., 1274″) tells a consumer 1000 which and how many of the total number of inserts are remaining to be activated in nicotine dispensing apparatus 10. In various embodiments the dispensing apparatus 10 can have a number of nicotine inserts between the range of any two of the above referenced quantities of nicotine inserts.

Also shown in FIG. 12 is a nicotine insert 14 inside the filter 1300, which insert 14 can be constructed substantially similar to inserts 100 and 200, spaced apart from said inserts, with indicia indicating the longitudinal location of insert 14 relative to longitudinal centerline 1144.

FIG. 13 shows an example set of instructions 1230 which can be included in any of the embodiments. Directions 1232 can be for the consumer, and can indicate that the consumer should to squeeze the product to release nicotine. Alternatively, directions 1234 can explain that the product should not be squeezed if nicotine is not desired. Set of instructions 1230 can include affirmative instructions 1232 on how to release nicotine (e.g., “squeeze to release nicotine/activate product”) and/or negative instructions 1234 on how not to release flavoring (e.g., “do not squeeze if do not want to release nicotine/activate product”).

FIG. 8 shows example packaging 1180 which can be used in various of the embodiments where the packaging 1180 can have instructions 1185 regarding use of the inserts. Packaging 1180 can have first and second ends 1182 and 1184. End 1180 is open to allow insertion of cigar or cigarillo 1100. Packaging 1180 is shown as a cellophane clear type packaging. However, other types of packaging can be used such as foil pouches or zip type foil pouches.

Method of Use

On embodiment provides a method of dispensing nicotine comprising providing a dispenser 10 having a flexible wall 1140, an interior support section 500, and at least one nicotine insert (e.g., 100) supported by the interior support section 500, the insert including nicotine which is released by applying pressure on the flexible wall 1140 which transmits such pressure to the insert 100, the dispenser 10 including instructions 1230 on how to release nicotine; and offering for sale the provided dispenser 10.

In one embodiment the dispenser includes instructions 1232 on how to release nicotine.

In one embodiment the dispenser includes instructions 1234 on how not to release nicotine.

In one embodiment a plurality of nicotine inserts (e.g., 100, 200, 220, 240, etc.) are contained in the interior support section 500 in a longitudinally spaced apart condition, the inserts including nicotine which is released by applying pressure on the dispenser 10 at the particular longitudinal location of the particular insert (e.g., 200, or 100, etc.) to be activated.

In one embodiment at least two of the inserts are of different sizes, strengths, and/or volumes of nicotine.

In one embodiment at least two of the inserts are of different colors indicating different flavors.

In one embodiment the packaging 1200 includes instructions 1230 on how to release the nicotine and instructions on how to achieve different strengths of nicotine release.

In one embodiment at least two of the inserts (e.g., 100 and 200) are of differing sizes, strengths, and/or volumes of nicotine.

In one embodiment is provided a method and apparatus of dispensing nicotine which comprises the steps of:

(1) providing a nicotine dispensing apparatus 10 for dispensing nicotine to human user 1000, the dispensing apparatus 10 including

an outer wall 1140 enclosing an interior volume 1130;

an insert support section 500 being located in the interior volume 1130;

the apparatus 10 being packaged for sale where at least one nicotine insert (100) is supported by the insert support section 500 in the interior volume 1130;

(2) removing the nicotine dispensing apparatus 10 from the packaging 1200;

(3) squeezing the outer wall 1140 of the dispensing apparatus 10 at a first longitudinal position (e.g., 1270″) to cause a release of nicotine from the at least one insert (e.g., 200); and

(4) a user 1000 sucking air through the nicotine dispensing apparatus 10 (e.g., schematically indicated by arrow 1050 in FIG. 12) causing nicotine to enter the body of the person 1000 sucking the air (schematically indicated by arrows 1050 and 1054 picking up nicotine 152 and 154).

In one embodiment one end 1120 of the nicotine dispensing apparatus 10 can include a filter allowing air to pass through the interior of the dispensing apparatus but filtering out particulate impurities from said air flow.

In one embodiment the nicotine dispensing apparatus 10 is removed from the packaging 1200 and held by the end 1120 having the filter.

In one embodiment a user 1000 at a first time activates a first insert (e.g., insert 200) causing a first visual indicia to be created at the longitudinal location of the first insert (e.g., insert 200), and then at a later second time, uses said existing visual indicia of activation to selectively activate a second insert (e.g., 100) which is spaced apart from the first insert previously activated.

FIG. 14 shows a partially exploded view of an alternative embodiment for the nicotine dispenser apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 15 the dispenser 10″ includes additional sheet 1180 which sheet 1180 can block transmitting of liquids and/or gases through. Sheet 1180 can be used to prevent dispensed nicotine 152 from migrating through the wall 1140 of dispenser 10″ and contacting a user's 1000 fingers.

FIG. 15 shows an alternative embodiment for the nicotine dispenser apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1. This embodiment includes a wicking device 1700 which tends to cause released nicotine (e.g., nicotine 152) to migrate via wicking in the direction of arrow 1780 so get closer to second end 1120 of apparatus 10″ where second end 1120 is to be placed in a user's 1000 mouth. Wicking device 1700 can comprise first portion 1710, second portion 1720 and third portion 1730. In the embodiment shown third portion is actually connected to second portion 1720, and second portion 1720 is actually connected to first portion 1710. By traveling in the direction of arrow 1780 (e.g., by wicking on first portion 1710) it is believe that the released nicotine 152 will be more completely and concentrated to the user as the user sucks on second end 1120. The connections between first 1710, second 1720, and third 1730 portions allow wicking to occur from one portion to the next portion (e.g., third portion 1730 wicks to second portion 1720 which in turn wicks to first portion 1710 of wicking device. This way the wicking effect can be used for any one of the nicotine inserts 100, 200, 220, etc. Arrows sets 1760 and 1762 in FIG. 15 schematically indicate that wicking concentrates the migration of released fluid to a smaller area of migration (i.e., the cross sectional area of wicking device 1700 (indicated by arrows 1762) versus the cross sectional area of interior of nicotine dispenser 1100 (indicated by arrows 1760). The smaller cross sectional area can be less 50, 40, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 percent of the larger cross sectional area. In various embodiments the smaller cross sectional area can be between any two of the above referenced percentages of the larger cross sectional area.

FIG. 16 shows another alternative embodiment for the nicotine dispenser apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1. Dispensing apparatus 1800 can be constructed substantially the same as any of the other embodiments described herein including spacing between inserts (e.g., FIGS. 1 through 13), with the added feature of perforations facilitating separation of individual longitudinal sections of apparatus 1800 at predetermined longitudinal separation points (or other structural features facilitating separation at said predefined separation points). In FIG. 16 sections 1810, 1820 and 1830 are shown, being separable by perforations 1814 (between sections 1810 and 1820) and 1824 (between sections 1820 and 1830). Having separable sections allows the user 1000 to adjust the longitudinal distance between a particular insert (e.g., 100, 200, 220, etc.) and the mouth of the user when sucking on dispensing apparatus 1800. In use insert contained in section 1810 can be activated by squeezing (schematically indicated by arrows 1020) with user 1000 sucking on second end 520″ until exhausting released nicotine. User 100 can then apply a force between sections 1810 and 1820 (schematically indicated by arrow 1890) to break apart and separate section 1810 from sections 1820 and 1830. User can activate insert 200 contained in section 1820 by squeezing (schematically indicated by arrows 1020′) with user 1000 sucking on second end of remaining dispensing apparatus 1800 (sections 1820 and 1830) until exhausting released nicotine. User 100 can then apply a force between sections 1820 and 1830 (schematically indicated by arrow 1894) to break apart and separate section 1820 from section 1830. User can activate insert 220 contained in section 1830 by squeezing (schematically indicated by arrows 1020″) with user 1000 sucking on second end of remaining dispensing apparatus 1800 (section 1830) until exhausting released nicotine.

FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of a nicotine dispensing apparatus 2000. Dispensing apparatus 2000 includes body 2005 with first end 2010 and second end 2020 and an interior 2040. First end 2010 includes an opening 2030. Disposable plug 2200 with insert 100 can be inserted into interior 2040 of body 2005. Before inserting plug 2200 it should be squeezed (schematically indicated by arrows 1020 to activate insert 100 and release nicotine 152 into plug 2200. After activating insert 100, plug with now activated insert 100 can be inserted into interior 2040 of body 2005 (as schematically indicated by the arrow and dashed lines of plug 2200). Cap 2100 can be used to retain plug 2200 in body 2005. Cap 2100 includes threads 2110 which can threadably connect to threads 2050 of body 2005. Cap 2100 also includes a plurality of openings 2150 for air flow. When desired to use end 2010 is inserted into a user's 1000 mouth and inhaled. Arrow 1050 schematically indicates air flow through cap 2100 via plurality of openings 2150, then through interior of plug 2200, wherein the air flow picks up nicotine released from the activated insert 100, and then the same air flows through opening 2030 and into the user's 1000 mouth thereby dispensing nicotine to the user 1000. Plug 2200 can be constructed substantially similar to any of the other described interior sections 500, 500′, 500″, 600, etc. to disperse nicotine from insert 100 and allow the dispersed nicotine to be picked up by air flow through dispenser 2000. Plug 2200 can also be constructed similar to other dispensers such as nicotine dispenser 10 in FIG. 1 having one or more multiple spaced apart nicotine inserts 100, 200, 220, etc.

FIG. 18 shows an alternative version of dispenser 2000 which is longer than the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 allowing activation of on, and one or more inserts 100, 200, 220, etc. when multiple plugs 2200, 2200′, 2200″ respectively housing said inserts is located in the interior 2040 of dispenser 2000′. Length of interior 2040 (lengths 2060, 2062, and 2064) and lengths of plugs 2200,2200′,2200″ can be such that inserts 100, 200, 220 line up respectively with flexible areas 2070, 2072, and 2074 of dispenser 2000′. FIG. 18 shows plug 2200 with insert 100 lining up with flexible area 2070; plug 2200′ with insert 200 lining up with flexible area 2072; and plug 2200″ with insert 220 lining up with flexible area 2072.

Each insert 100, 200, 220, etc. can be individually activated as desired by user 1000. Insert 100 can be activated by squeezing (arrows 1020) together flexible area 2070. Insert 200 can be activated by squeezing (arrows 1020′) together flexible area 2072. Insert 220 can be activated by squeezing (arrows 1020″) together flexible area 2074. Dispenser 2000′ with one or more activated insert(s) can be used by sucking on tip 2010 with opening 2030 causing air to flow through interior 2040 of dispenser 2000′ and picking up the released nicotine from the one or more activated inserts and delivering said released nicotine to the user 1000.

FIG. 19 shows another alternative nicotine dispenser which is similar to the dispenser 2000 shown in FIG. 17, but plug 2300 is used instead of plug 2200. Plug 2300 does not include a nicotine insert (e.g., 100, etc.) but liquid drops 2400 can be added to plug 2300 while plug 2300 is located in interior 2040 of dispenser 2000. Adding liquid nicotine drops 2400 to plug 2300 activates plug 2300 and thereafter cap 2150 is connected to dispenser 2000 and dispenser 2000 is used substantially similar as described in reference to FIG. 16. Activation of plug 2300 occurs when liquid is absorbed and/or spread about plug 2300. Plug 2300 can be constructed substantially similar to any of the other described interior sections 500, 500′, 500″, 600, etc. to disperse nicotine in liquid drops 2400 and allow the dispersed nicotine/liquid drops to be picked up by air flow through dispenser 2000. Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), also known as phenylthiourea (PTU), is an organosulfur thiourea containing a phenyl ring.

In various embodiments the methods and apparatus can be used to impact phenylthiocarbamide (“PTC”) taste thresholds with the user changing the user's individual taste threshold when using the method and apparatus. PTC has the unusual property that it either tastes very bitter or is virtually tasteless, depending on the genetic makeup of the taster. The ability to taste PTC is often treated as a dominant genetic trait, although inheritance and expression of this trait are somewhat more complex.

At least one study has found that non-smokers and those not habituated to coffee or tea have a statistically higher percentage of tasting PTC than the general population. PTC does not occur in food, but related chemicals do, and food choice is related to a person's ability to taste PTC. There is a large body of evidence linking the ability to taste thiourea compounds and dietary habits. Much of this work has focused on 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PROP), a compound related to PTC that has lower toxicity. A supertaster has more of an ability to taste PTC. On the other hand, heavy cigarette smokers are more likely to have high PTC and PROP thresholds (i.e. are relatively insensitive).

The following is a list of Reference Numerals used in this application with a description of the reference numerals.

Reference Numeral Description 10 nicotine delivery apparatus 14 nicotine insert 100 insert 110 outer wall 150 nicotine contents 152 release nicotine 154 released nicotine 200 insert 220 insert 240 insert 260 insert 300 insert 330 first section 340 second section 350 flavoring particles/droplets 400 insert 410 outer wall 450 flavoring/scenting interior 500 interior section 502 diameter of section 504 length of section 510 first end 520 second end 530 interior passage 532 diameter of interior passage 550 cavity for inserts 600 interior section 602 diameter of section 604 length of section 610 first end 620 second end 630 interior passage 632 diameter of interior passage 650 cavity 700 force arrow 730 instructions on use of flavoring inserts 740 affirmative instructions on how to use nicotine inserts 744 negative instructions on how not to use nicotine inserts 1000 individual 1010 mouth 1020 arrow 1050 air draw 1052 air draw 1054 air draw 1100 delivery apparatus 1110 first end 1120 second end 1130 interior 1140 cylindrical wall 1150 length 1152 length 1154 length 1156 length 1170 sheet 1172 first edge 1174 second edge 1176 third edge 1178 fourth edge 1200 packaging 1210 first end 1220 second end 1230 instructions 1232 instructions for activation 1234 instructions to prevent activation 1236 spacing 1237 spacing 1238 spacing 1240 zip lock 1250 tearing notches 1260 perforation line for tear 1262 torn off section 1270 arrows indicating location of nicotine insert (and/or schematically indicating the use of force to activate flavoring insert) 1274 visual indicia of prior activation 1300 filter 1500 tube or container or packaging 1510 wall 1530 storage area 1540 cap 1700 wicking device 1710 first portion of wicking device 1720 second portion of wicking device 1730 third portion of wicking device 1760 first or larger cross sectional area arrows 1762 second or smaller cross sectional area arrows 1800 nicotine dispenser 1810 first portion 1814 perforation lines 1820 second portion 1824 perforation lines 1830 third portion 1834 perforation lines 1880 trash 1890 bending or twisting action to separate 1892 bending or twisting action to separate 2000 nicotine dispensing apparatus 2005 body 2010 first end 2020 second end 2030 opening 2040 interior 2050 threaded area 2060 length 2062 length 2064 length 2070 flexible area and/or indicia for squeezing 2072 flexible area and/or indicia for squeezing 2074 flexible area and/or indicia for squeezing 2100 cap 2110 threaded area 2150 plurality of openings 2200 disposable plug with insert for container 2210 first end 2220 second end 2230 length 2250 body

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in the appended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims. 

1. A nicotine dispensing article, comprising: a) a container having an exterior wall and interior volume; b) an interior support structure for supporting nicotine inserts inside the interior volume; c) at least one flavoring insert contained in the interior support structure, the insert including nicotine which is released by applying pressure on the insert; and d) packing containing the container.
 2. The nicotine article of claim 1, wherein the container includes instructions on how to release nicotine.
 3. The nicotine article of claim 1, wherein the container includes instructions on how not to release nicotine.
 4. The nicotine article of claim 1, a plurality of inserts are contained in the interior support structure in a longitudinally spaced apart condition so that each insert can be individually activated by applying pressure on the exterior wall of the dispenser without activating any other insert from the plurality of inserts, the inserts including nicotine which is released by applying pressure on the particular insert.
 5. The nicotine article of claim 4, wherein at least two of the inserts of different sizes.
 6. The nicotine article of claim 4, wherein at least two of the inserts of different colors indicating different flavors.
 7. The nicotine article of claim 1, wherein the at least one insert is individually packaged so as to be separated from the nicotine dispenser.
 8. The nicotine article of claim 1, wherein a plurality of inserts are packaged so as to be separated from the nicotine dispenser.
 9. The nicotine article of claim 8, wherein the package includes instructions on how to release the nicotine and instructions on how to achieve different strengths, quantities and/or volumes of nicotine release.
 10. The nicotine article of claim 1, wherein at least two of the inserts include different nicotine strengths, quantities or volumes.
 11. The nicotine article of claim 1, wherein the outer wall includes indicia indicating where to apply pressure to activate the at least one nicotine insert.
 12. The nicotine article of claim 1, wherein the outer wall includes instructions on how not to release nicotine.
 13. A method of dispensing nicotine comprising: (a) providing a nicotine dispensing apparatus for dispensing nicotine to human user, the dispensing apparatus including an outer wall enclosing an interior volume; an insert support section being located in the interior volume; the apparatus being packaged for sale where in the packaging at least one nicotine insert is supported by the insert support section in the interior volume; (b) removing the nicotine dispensing apparatus from the packaging; (c) squeezing the outer wall of the dispensing apparatus at a first longitudinal position to cause a release of nicotine from the at least one insert; and (d) sucking air through the nicotine dispensing apparatus causing nicotine to enter the body of the person sucking the air.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein step “a” the apparatus includes a filter allowing air to pass through the interior of the dispensing apparatus but filtering out particulate impurities. 